Light is a remarkable thing. It defies characterization on some levels. In one instance it behaves like a particle. In another it seems to clearly exhibit wave-like tendencies. Light is also capable of enormous work potential. It can be readily converted to heat and to electrical power indirectly. It is an endless natural phenomenon that is useful in innumerable ways.
One of the most spectacular applications of light is the laser. Light freely travels all about us in a variety of wavelengths and intensities, but if we harness that light and focus it on one solitary object we can inflect incredible damage. The same is true of our personal and corporate objectives. Strength of focus is a potent weapon against the impediments and obstacles we face in our work.
The power of focus to achieve results is simply the application of simplicity to our strategic approach. The principle of simplicity demands that we remove distractions, vagaries, and anything else that might fragment our efforts. With simplicity we can master a goal and then move on to the next. However, conventional wisdom tells us the we need to pursue multiple objectives at once to get ahead – even if some of our objectives are at odds, however so slightly. Focus and simplicity prevents that wasteful paradox.
Don’t be tempted to think too narrowly about the notion of strength of focus. The few select strategies that make it into your exclusive group of initiatives will doubtless have numerous smaller but supportive tactical projects. These tactical projects will necessarily be clearly linked back to the larger picture or will need to be rooted out. The hallowed X-Matrix is a good means to tie these two levels together in a visual format.
Focus across an organization produces tremendous alignment. Alignment propels organizations forward like nothing else. I believe that improper alignment is the heretofore unknown 9th Great Waste. Lean pioneers in Japan identified 7 Great Wastes shortly after World War II. The 8th was added in the 80s when Lean and Six Sigma began their storied continuous improvement partnership. Misalignment is a serious waste in any organization that will simultaneously drain both productivity and morale at all levels of the enterprise.
Be advised: strength of focus will always have its detractors. Under the umbrella of focused management, there is no room for the multitude of pet projects that are usually entertained in a traditional company. Even though all ideas might be good, only the best (the top 2 or 3) will be central to the organization at any given time. The other good ideas will have to wait. Many passionate executives might not have the patience for that type of environment.
Have you struggled to make substantial progress in spite of having talent, vision, capital, and opportunity? Consider that you might be a victim of complexity in your management philosophy. Simplify your approach. Allow the notion of Strength of Focus to bring alignment and clarity to your enterprise. You may be surprised to see how far and how quickly you can travel when you avoid doing too many things at once. Don’t stretch yourself too thin. Keep your eye on the ball, so to speak, and enjoy the ride.
Lean in and Lean on.